Governor Kotek Declares June Search and Rescue Awareness Month—Urges Outdoor Safety

As Oregon's iconic landscapes continue to draw growing numbers of visitors and locals outdoors, state agencies are renewing their call for preparedness and safe recreation practices to reduce search and rescue (SAR) incidents statewide. With summer recreation increasing in 2026, outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to plan carefully and take steps that can prevent emergencies and reduce the strain on volunteer SAR teams.

Share your SAR Stories with the hashtags #SearchandRescueStories and #ReadyResilientOregon.

Recognizing the skill, dedication, and lifesaving work of SAR personnel and volunteers across Oregon, Governor Tina Kotek has proclaimed June 2026 as Search and Rescue Awareness Month. The proclamation honors SAR responders and emphasizes the importance of public awareness, preparedness, and support.

"Search and rescue teams exemplify the best of our commitment to protecting one another and stepping up whenever someone needs help," Governor Tina Kotek said. "As we head into another busy season on our trails, rivers, and wilderness areas, I encourage everyone to explore our state responsibly-plan ahead, stay safe, and respect the communities and landscapes that make Oregon such an incredible place to adventure."

Search and Rescue Missions Are Volunteer Driven

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM), which coordinates aircraft and mutual-aid resources during SAR operations, reminds the public that Oregon has no dedicated statewide funding source for search and rescue. The burden of mission costs falls largely on local jurisdictions and the Oregon Search and Rescue Fund.

The fund is administered by the Oregon State Sheriffs' Association (OSSA), representing Oregon's 36 elected sheriffs. These offices coordinate SAR operations using trained volunteers and emergency responders. The Oregon SAR Fund remains the primary mechanism for training, outfitting, and supporting SAR teams statewide.

"Oregon's SAR teams include over 1,700+ dedicated volunteers who respond to more than 1,000 missions annually," said OSSA officials. "The work these teams do is critical, and community support through the purchasing of an Oregon SAR card helps ensure these teams have the tools and training needed to continue saving lives."

Follow Best Practices for Safe Outdoor Adventures

The best way to support Oregon's SAR volunteers is to avoid needing rescue services. Each year, SAR teams-many located in small or under-resourced communities-assist individuals who are lost, injured, or unprepared for Oregon's diverse terrain and conditions. According to OEM, lack of preparedness remains one of the top contributors to SAR emergencies.

"Our teams often encounter people who are inexperienced or unaware of the hazards they may face," said OEM State SAR Coordinator Scott Lucas. "Something as simple as inadequate footwear, no water, or failure to check weather conditions can quickly become dangerous. Preparation saves lives-it really is that simple."

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD), which manages more than 250 state park properties and recreation programs, echoes these reminders and urges visitors to stay on marked trails, observe safety signs, and respect closures.

"When you recreate responsibly, you are protecting yourself, parks employees, first responders, and the parks themselves," said OPRD Emergency Manager Jamen Lee. "We want everyone to have a wonderful experience in Oregon's outstanding natural, scenic, cultural, historic, and recreational sites. One of the best ways to ensure this is to carry the 10 essentials, research the area you plan to visit beforehand, and pay close attention to park signs that warn you about nearby hazards or closed areas."

Additional safety tips for heading outdoors:

• Have an emergency kit and cell phone charger in your vehicle.
• Know the trail and conditions - research the trail thoroughly and get accurate directions to the trailhead. Check weather and the park webpage for alerts.
• Check road conditions on Tripcheck.com or call 511.
• Know campfire restrictions at Oregon State Parks as well as public fire restrictions.
• Download maps to a cell phone or print them in case there is no cell service.
• Make a plan and tell someone- make sure they know your route, the exact trail name, possible side destinations and when you plan to leave and return. This information is vital for search and rescue if they need to come looking for you.
• Practice situational awareness - stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Keep an eye on trail markers and landmarks so you can provide those details in an emergency. (This includes Oregon Beach Access Numbers on the coast).
• Listen to your body - know your limits when selecting hikes and when you're on the trail.
• Watch for hazards - if you see signs of bad weather, wildfires, dangerous wildlife activity or other potential hazards, adjust your plans. Never feel bad about turning around early. Have a plan B.
• Stay on marked trails - going off trail or following social trails increases the risk of getting lost or injured. It also increases the risk of fatal falls.
• Respect trail closures - safety signs and barriers. They are placed there for your safety. Disregarding them can have deadly consequences.
• Exercise caution when crossing streams or navigating steep terrain - never climb on logs or turn your back on the ocean.
• Follow the seven principles of Leave No Trace - minimize your impact.
• Stay in touch - There might not be cell coverage and reception on the trail.
• Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on cell phones.
• If you are using your cell phone, keep the battery fully charged and switch to airplane mode to conserve battery until you need it.
• Consider a personal locator beacon (PLB) like InReach or SPOTS, if you need to call for help.
• Prepare for the weather - layer up, wear appropriate footwear for the terrain and carry an emergency blanket.
• Bring sun protection and lots of water of hot days - Tips for hot-weather hiking.

Practice Boating and Water Safety

Before you go out, plan ahead and check water levels and tide information, obstructions, local regulations and boating access for put in's and take out locations. The Oregon State Marine Board's (OSMB) website has planning resources for every boat type, including what equipment to carry.

In addition, OSMB recommends people:

• Review the map of life jacket loaner stations to borrow one if you don't have your own.
• Dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature. Cold water shock is a leading factor in accidental drowning in Oregon. A person who unexpectedly falls in into cold water will experience an involuntary gasp reflex; a deep breath while taking water into their lungs. If their head isn't above the water with the help of a life jacket, this can lead to drowning.
• Recreate with others so they can provide aid more quickly if the unexpected happens.
• As with land-based activities, tell others your plan, have communication devices, pay attention to your surroundings, especially obstructions downstream so you can take early action, and don't set out in the late afternoon.
• For emergencies, dial 9-1-1, or text 9-1-1 if voice calls are not possible. For more information on being safe while recreating, visit the Hike Oregon Blog or the National Park Service.